People are coping with being cooped up inside in different ways, including expanding their families by adopting pets at a rapid rate. Adding a pet is a big responsibility, making sure you have everything you need at home is important – as is getting that new family member home.
Fortunately, finding the right vehicle for your new family member won’t be as difficult as you may think. Each of the last seven years in honor of National Dog Day on Aug. 26, AutoTrader.com partners with Dogtrader.com to create a list of top vehicles for dogs.
“Trips around town or to local destinations have become an important part of our lives these last few months and for many people, that means bringing along their pets as they hit the road,” said Brian Moody, executive editor at Autotrader.
“To help new car buyers that are traveling with four-legged friends, we’ve carefully curated a list of the best cars that offer great comfort and safety features while also making the lives of pet parents just a little easier.”
To get on the list, these vehicles must offer some form of unique advantage to dog owners. The vehicles on this year’s list are in alphabetical order and include:
- 2020 Audi Q5
- 2020 Chrysler Pacifica
- 2020 Honda Fit
- 2020 Hyundai Kona
- 2020 Jeep Wrangler
- 2020 Kia Soul
- 2020 Subaru Outback
- 2020 Tesla Model Y
- 2021 Toyota Sienna
- 2020 Volvo V60
These vehicles have features aimed at keeping both humans and dogs safe for the ride ahead – including large rear doors, low cargo floors and even “dog mode.”
(Nissan Rogue projects cater to canines.)
Several automakers offer pet-related accessories that can be purchased from dealers, ranging from seat covers to safety harnesses (i.e. seat belts) to pet ramps or stairs. Tesla even offers Dog Mode in its vehicles, which keeps the car at a safe temperature for dogs while posting a note on its center screen letting anyone who looks inside the dogs are safe and the owner will be back shortly.
In addition to the top car recommendations, Autotrader also provides the top tips for traveling with your pets, how to keep your car looking its best for summer road trips and a list of pet friendly car accessories.
To celebrate National Dog Day, AutoTrader and DogTrader features limited-edition dog vests, to make dog hair clean up quick and easy while on the road, keeping your vehicle looking its best. Available exclusively on Autotrader’s dog-focused website, Dogtrader.com, dog parents can enter for a chance to win this limited-edition accessory for their furry companion from Aug. 24 through Sept. 14.
(Tesla pushing for FCC approval on sensor for child detection system.)
Prospective pet parents can also search for local dogs on Dogtrader.com, searching for that perfect make and model to become a new part of their family. Through a donation to Adopt-a-Pet.com, Autotrader is also driving home its mission is to help get homeless dogs out of shelters and into loving homes.
